History

Bunge Hostel, known as “The Old Lotta School,” has a Fascinating History Reflecting Gotland’s Strategic Importance in Swedish Defense Activities during the 20th Century. The buildings have gone through several phases before becoming the hostel they are today.

The buildings were constructed in 1939 as an airbase in northern Gotland. During World War II, Gotland was a strategically significant location for Sweden’s defense, and the airbase played a key role in monitoring and protecting Swedish airspace.

When the airbase was decommissioned, the buildings were converted into a school for the Swedish Women’s Voluntary Defense Organization, known as “Lottaskolan.” The organization was a voluntary defense organization for women, who were trained in a range of skills important for both military and civil defense. From 1962 to 1991, Lottaskolan was a central training location for women who wanted to contribute to Sweden’s defense and security. The building became a symbol of women’s commitment and contributions to the nation’s armed forces.

After Lottaskolan closed in 1991, the site became an officers’ hotel for KA3, the Coastal Artillery Regiment in Fårösund. Until 2000, it served as accommodation for officers and visitors connected to the regiment.

In 2003, the Boman family bought the historical buildings and transformed them into Bunge Hostel. Since then, the family has run the hostel, preserving its historical character while adapting and modernizing the facility to provide comfortable accommodation for travelers. With its long and varied history, Bunge Hostel has become a unique destination for visitors who want to experience both Gotland’s nature and a part of the island’s military and cultural history.

Today, the hostel is a popular place for both tourists and history enthusiasts, being close to both natural and cultural attractions. The journey from airbase to training site for the Lotta Organization, to officers’ hotel, and finally to a hostel, reflects Gotland’s significant role in Sweden’s history and the continuous change in how buildings and places are utilized. The Boman family has successfully transformed this historic site into an inviting and welcoming hostel where visitors can create their own memories in a place full of history.

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